SAKYA COLLEGE

Introduction:

Acharya Aryadeva stated that good health is imperative for those who are practicing the dharma in general, and more specifically, for those who are on the rigorous path of learning and contemplating the philosophies and sciences of profound and extensive Buddhists fields. 

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With this holistic approach, Students’ Welfare Committee was founded in 2003 by Khenchen Sonam Gyatso, with the primary aim to look after and support sick students, and promote health awareness within the campus from time to time. On this, Khenchen advised: “If there is a specific group dedicated to taking care of only the sick and needy students, from one perspective, not only [beside the welfare work] will they gain experience on how to manage and render service towards the monastery or society in general [while working in the welfare activities], but, from another perspective, the same experience gained today will also be useful in managing one’s monastic centers in the future, thereby committing to greater beneficial acts for individual and social causes...”

Functions:
Despite starting with a meager capital, the committee members, since its inception in 2003, kept working tirelessly to raise funds which were challenging in itself due to the nature of the work, often requiring to contact various sponsors and friends, both at home and overseas. With the sheer gratitude of the donors and supporters, the committee was able to perform practical benefits, whether in helping with small pains like headaches, or helping with expensive surgeries. The committee has been able to provide pocket money, new robes during new year, transport expenses during annual vacation (summer), etc. The committee has also been able to provide water filter, electricity generator, computer lab, clinic, winter clothings; a four-wheeler for transportation; thangkas & statues; and many more. In addition to their beneficial works, each functioning welfare committee of the respective year has also been keeping aside some funds for the succeeding welfare committee of the following year. In this way, the committee has been able to function uninterruptedly upto this day.

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Since its inception, this committee has brought outstanding outcome and has fulfilled the noble aspirations of our root gurus and the head abbots.